Trainers From WSECU, O Bee Win 'Best in Show'
OLYMPIA, Wash.-A partnership between the Washington State Employees Credit Union Training Department and O Bee CU won "Best In Show at CUNA's Experience Learning Live Training Awards. The project, called "Don't Be A Chicken About Training," was designed to build platform skills for subject matter experts at both credit unions.
For info: www.wsecu.org
Illinois CUs Introduce Tax Initiative At ipaytaxes.org
NAPERVILLE, Ill.-Illinois, credit unions are backing a new initiative called ipaytaxes.org. In this case, it's a web resource aimed at helping consumers to get the largest refund available on their federal income taxes, including tools for leveraging Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The site includes a "Maximize Your Refund" section that includes information on the various tax credits that are available, details about Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and other free online tax filing services and information about credit unions, including how to join. There's also a "Quick Connect" section with other pertinent information, including links to the Illinois State Treasurer's Office, the Federal Trade Commission, and numerous resources available via the IRS. In addition to the ipaytaxes site, ICUL has also created an outreach action kit to assist with the development of a campaign that makes sense for any credit union.
CUNA Marketing Council Surpasses 1,000 Members
MADISON, Wis.-The CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council celebrated reaching an all-time high of more than 1,000 members with a special promotion giving council members the opportunity to win a $1,000 Visa gift card.
Members were asked to explain how council membership helped them or their credit unions, or about a particular Council experience or event and send in the story for a chance to win the gift card. The randomly picked gift card winner was Revonda Golden-Dean from Lowland CU in Morristown, Tenn., who called the council "a life saver" and noted that she has gotten great ideas from the council's listserv.
For info: www.cunamarketingcouncil.org
Tech CU Training Dept. Makes Top 125 List
SAN JOSE, Calif.-An extensive employee training curriculum with course topics ranging from mortgage certification to public speaking and business writing, has earned Technology Credit Union's Training Department a spot on Training Magazine's annual Top 125 listing.
The training and development programs at Tech CU are managed by Michelle Greear, AVP of corporate training.
Former XP Systems Exec Unexpectedly Passes Away
MOORPARK, Calif.-Linda Tucker, who retired just a year ago after 10 years in account management with XP Systems, has died unexpectedly due to complications from surgery. Widely known to many along the West Coast, Ms. Tucker "was loved by her colleagues and clients alike," said XP Systems. "Her sense of humor, professionalism, high standard of excellence, and spirit of adventure will be sorely missed."
NAFCU Reports 500 Now On Its Compliance Blog
ARLINGTON, Va.-NAFCU said that more than 500 people have now signed up for its Compliance Blog at www.nafcucomplianceblog.org. NAFCU noted it is updated most weekdays and offers regulatory and compliance information from accounting to flood insurance.
Papers Explore Social Networking, Change Mngmt.
MADISON, Wis.-The CUNA Councils have released two new white papers. "Social Networking as a Marketing Tool" from the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council defines the different aspects of social networking and social media and their potential ramifications for the financial services industry. The paper outlines the different aspects of online search advertising, blogs, Twitter, Wesabe and Mint, product reviews on Web sites, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, and more. The second paper addresses how CFOs are expected to be role models for change who can assist the senior management team and inspire confidence among employees. CFOs now must also translate financial arguments into terms understood by employees outside the accounting department and be aware of how actions and decisions impact the human factor within change-management situations. Those subjects are addressed in the new paper from the CFO Council, "Leadership and Change Management." For info: www.cunacouncils.org; select the Cross-Council White Papers link located in the Tools and Resources drop-down menu.
AOD Unveils New Logo, Website & Free Service
BYNUM, Ala.-AOD FCU has a new logo, new website, a new free service for members and a new branch, as well. The CU unveiled the new logo at the same time it opened its latest branch. The credit union also redesigned its website, which includes an improved navigation scheme, revitalized content and updated technology.
For info: www.aodfcu.com
Michigan First CU Wins Consumer Education Award
LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich.-Michigan First Credit Union won the "Award for Excellence in Consumer Education" from the Michigan Credit Union League and Financial Education Council. Among the CU's financial education initiatives are free educational seminars on credit, tax and estate planning, budgeting, money management, college funding and more. Michigan First also recently developed a unique partnership with Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit during Money Smart Week where Michigan First staff members conducted presentations on money management, identity theft and credit awareness to WSU students. Additionally, the CU has 17 student branches that also are part of its financial literacy program.
For info: www.michiganfirst.com
Former CU Chairman Speaks Out Against Merger
AUGUSTA, Maine-A former Kennebec Valley FCU chairman is speaking out against a proposal to convert the credit union to a bank. In a letter to the Kennebec Journal, past board chair Gerald C. Poulin said the move would "give away" member assets to Kennebec Savings Bank, with which the credit union plans to merge after its conversion, and result in a big loss for the community. Both bank and CU execs maintain that the conversion and merger would expand their capacity to meet the current and future member needs. The Maine CU League called the $51-million CU's board vote "disappointing."
HarborOne Teams Up With Mass. Small Biz Center
BROCKTON, Mass.-HarborOne CU is partnering with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network at UMass Boston to add free workshops on Small Business. The Workshops will be held at the HarborOne MultiCultural Banking Center, 68 Legion Parkway, Brockton. The first workshop, "Getting Started in Business" will be held April 28. Should this program be well-attended, the CU and the Small Business Development Center will consider offering additional free two-hour workshops on subjects such as "Business Strategy Basics," "Business Finance & Accounting Basics" and "Sales & Marketing Basics."
For info: www.sbdc.umb.edu
